Shooting target stand

ABSTRACT

A shooting target stand is configured for use with a target, such as commercially available bottles. The stand includes a base that supports a retaining section having opposed surfaces in which a retaining aperture is disposed therethrough. The neck of the target is received through the retaining aperture, whereupon the bottle is supported above a support surface, such as in a substantially horizontal orientation.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to stands used for supporting a target for shooting by a gun. Particularly, the various embodiments disclosed herein relate to stands for supporting bottles as a shooting target. More particularly, the various embodiments disclosed herein relate to stands for supporting bottles, such as commercially available bottles, by their neck as a shooting target, such as in a substantially horizontal orientation.

BACKGROUND

Target shooting is extremely popular with gun enthusiasts, as it is not only a pleasurable recreational sport, but a valuable team building tool that allows comradery and rapport to be built among its participants. In addition, target shooting serves as an opportunity to improve a gun shooter's accuracy and precision, which is extremely important in a variety of disciplines that require firearm competency, ranging from competitive shooting events to law enforcement. As a practical matter, target stands are used to support various targets so that a shooter has a clear and well-positioned target to aim and shoot at. Currently, shooting targets are offered in many different sizes, weights, configurations and capabilities, many of which require a compatible stand to support them in a desirable orientation for shooting. For example, many shooting target stands are configured so that they are only capable of supporting compatible or proprietary targets, which have been specifically designed for use with a particular compatible shooting target stand. In addition, it is common for shooting target stands to be configured so that they are capable of being mounted on a support surface, such as a table, or being mounted in a particular orientation to a support structure. While these stands and targets are adequate in their ability to serve the needs of target shooters, they suffer from various drawbacks.

One drawback of current shooting target stands that are available is that they must be used with specifically designed, proprietary targets that are uniquely compatible with the stand. This requires that a compatible target be purchased so that it is properly fitted and supported by the target stand. However, due to the proprietary nature of these targets to enable their compatibility with the stand, such targets tend to be expensive. In addition, because these shooting targets are of a proprietary design, supply and inventory issues may arise, making it difficult for customers to find the targets at retail and wholesale vendors. Furthermore, disruption in the manufacture and supply chain of these proprietary targets may result in the constraint or unavailability of the components needed to manufacture the targets, such as in the case of a pandemic for example. Due to the unavailability of these proprietary targets, the target stand is rendered useless, and the shooter is unable to engage in any target shooting using the stand.

In addition, due to their proprietary design and nature, these shooting targets are not capable of being reused, and are resultantly rendered useless after they have been successfully shot at and destroyed. As such, the spent targets have no other useful purpose other than be destroyed and to contribute to environmental waste.

Furthermore, in some cases, thermal optics (e.g., thermal imaging scopes) may be utilized by firearms, such as a rifle, to thermally identify a particular target to be shot. Accordingly, it would be desirable to have a target that provides temperature contrast (hotter or cooler) relative to the surrounding environment in which the target is positioned so that the target can be thermally identified. For example, it would be desirable to have a target that is capable of being selectively filled with thermal material, which provides temperature contrast (hotter or cooler) relative to the surrounding environment, which is detectable by such thermal optics to facilitate target shooting.

Therefore, there is a need for a shooting target stand that allows commercially available bottles, such as “2-liter” bottles, to be used as shooting targets. In addition, there is a need for a shooting target stand that reuses discarded, commercially available bottles as shooting targets, thereby reducing environmental waste and creating an environmentally sustainable source of shooting targets. Moreover, there is a need for a shooting target that can be recycled after it has been expended by being shot at. Still yet, there is a need for a shooting stand that is easy to use and that is configured to support readily available, commercially available bottles horizontally as a shooting target. In addition, there is a need for a shooting target stand that is portable and that is capable of being easily mounted to horizontally support readily available bottles as a shooting target. Furthermore, there is a need for a shooting target stand that is capable of supporting any target having an elongated neck and a shoulder section. Still yet, there is a need for a shooting target that includes a bottle that can be selectively sealed, such as through a threaded cap, so that thermal material, including liquid or solid material including particles, can be retained therein, which may have temperature that is different (e.g., hotter or cooler) than the ambient air of the surrounding environment of the target so that the target can be thermally identified by a thermal imaging scope used by a firearm.

SUMMARY

It is one aspect of the various embodiments to provide a target stand to support a target having a neck extending from a shoulder section, the target stand comprising base adapted to be placed on a support surface; an arm extending from the base; and a retaining aperture provided by said arm that is adapted to selectively receive the neck of the target therethrough to support the target above the support surface.

It is another aspect of the various embodiments to provide a target stand that includes a base adapted to be placed on a support surface; an arm extending from the base; and a retaining aperture provided by the arm.

It is a further aspect of the various embodiments to provide a target stand kit that includes a base; an arm configured to be attached to the base; and a retaining section configured to be attached to the arm at an angle relative to the arm, the retaining section including an aperture therethrough.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The various embodiments disclosed herein will become better understood with regard to the following description, accompanying drawings and claims, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shooting target stand in accordance with the various embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the shooting target stand in accordance with the various embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the shooting target stand in receipt of a bottle as a target in accordance with the various embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the bottle used in connection with the shooting target stand in accordance with the various embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the shooting target stand supporting the bottle as a target in accordance with the various embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of one side of the shooting target stand supporting the bottle as a target in accordance with the various embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 6 is another elevational view of another side of the shooting target stand supporting the bottle as a target in accordance with the various embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 6A is an elevational view of an alternative bottle configured utilized with the shooting target stand in accordance with the various embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 7 is an elevational view of an alternative shooting target stand in accordance with the various embodiments disclosed herein; and

FIG. 8 is an elevational view of another alternative shooting target stand in accordance with the various embodiments disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A shooting target stand in accordance with the various embodiments disclosed herein is referred to by numeral 10 as shown in the Figs. The shooting target stand 10 is configured to support a target 20 by its neck 30, such as in a substantially horizontal orientation. For example, the target 20 may include a bottle, such as a “2-liter” bottle. However, any new or used bottle or vessel of any size or capacity may be used with the target stand 10 in a manner to be discussed. The target stand 10 includes a retaining aperture 40 that is configured to receive and support the neck 30 of the target 20, allowing for the quick and convenient attachment and removal of the target 20 to the target stand 10. Moreover, because of the configuration of the target stand 10, commercially produced bottles, such as “2-liter” bottles, which would normally be thrown away after their contents has been consumed, can be reused and repurposed as the target 20 that is capable of being supported by the target stand 10.

Target:

It should be appreciated that while the target stand 10 is capable of being used with any target 20 having an elongated neck 30, the following discussion contemplates that the target 20 comprises a commercially available “2-liter” bottle or vessel; however any suitable bottle capacity may be used. It should be appreciated that the bottle may be new or used, or may be an empty, used bottle.

As previously set forth, the target bottle 20 includes the elongated neck 30 that extends from a bottle body 50 by a shoulder section 80, as shown in FIG. 3A. In other words, the neck 30 of the bottle 20 is coupled to the body 50 of the bottle 20 by a shoulder section 80. Furthermore, the shoulder section 80 is formed by the transition or gradation in diameter that increases as the neck 30 extends to join the body 50 of the bottle 20. The shoulder section 80 may be defined by a linear or exponential gradient/progressive change in diameter that increases as the neck 30 transitions to the body 50 of the bottle 20. In some embodiments, the bottle 20 may be configured so that the body 50 is truncated so that it is entirely defined within the shoulder section 80 of the bottle 20. However, in other embodiments, such as that shown in FIGS. 3 and 3A, the shoulder section 80 has a diameter that is progressively larger than that of the neck 30, and that is smaller than that of the body 50 that extends from the shoulder section 80. It should be appreciated that the progressively increasing diameter dimension of the shoulder section 80 as it extends from the neck 30 of the bottle 20 may be defined as a gradient change in diameter that is linear, exponential, or a combination thereof. It should also be appreciated that the body 50 of the bottle 20 may be configured to have any diameter dimension, so long as the bottle 20 includes the neck 30 from which extends the shoulder section 80, as previously discussed.

In some embodiments, the neck 30 of the bottle 20 may include a protrusion 90 that circumscribes the neck. This protrusion 90 has a diameter that is larger than the neck 30. In some embodiments, this protrusion 90 may have an outer edge that is annular in shape, but in other embodiments may have any shape, including one that is rectilinear, curvilinear or a combination thereof.

It should also be appreciated that the bottle 20 may be formed from any suitable material, such as plastic, glass, metal, or a combination thereof.

Furthermore, the target 20 may not be a bottle or vessel but may comprise any object having an elongated neck 30 sufficiently long to extend through the aperture 40; or having an elongated neck 30 sufficiently long to extend through the aperture 40 along with the shoulder section 80.

Base:

Referring now to the target stand 10, it includes a base that is configured to be placed upon any suitable support surface, such as a floor, ground, or a table for example. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the target stand 10 may include a base 100 that is configured to be attached or anchored to the ground by one or more projections or protrusions 120. That is, the projections 120 are configured to penetrate the soil of the ground so that the base is anchored therein. In some embodiments, such as that shown in the FIGS. 1-3 , projections 120A and 120B may be spaced apart and configured to penetrate the ground to anchor the stand 10 in position. In some embodiments, the base 100 may encompass a single projection. In one embodiment, the projections 120A-B may be joined at a substantially right angle by a cross-member or connection arm 122; however, it should be appreciated that any suitable angle may be used. It should be appreciated that the projections 120 and the cross-member 122 may be comprised of any suitable material, such as metal, plastic, wood and the like. In some embodiments, the ends 124 of the projections may be tapered to facilitate their penetration into the ground or other penetrable support surface.

In other embodiments, an alternative base 100′ for the stand 10 may be configured to have a base section 130 that includes a base surface 132, as shown in FIG. 7 . Specifically, the base surface 132 of the base section 130 is configured to sit or rest upon a suitable support surface 134, such as a floor, the ground or table for example. It should be appreciated that the base surface 132 has any suitable shape, including a flat or curved surface, or a surface that is a combination of both. In addition, the base 100′ may be formed of any suitable material, such as metal, plastic, wood and the like. Still yet, the base surface 132 may include a surface treatment, such as anti-slip surface treatment to prevent the base section 130 from sliding before and after the target 20 is shot. In still other embodiments, the base section 130 may be weighted or configured to have a weight attached thereto to increase the stability of the target stand 10. In other words, the weight added to the base section 130 serves to impart additional stability to the stand 10 so that it does not fall over or deflect from its normal upright position when the target 20 that it is supporting is shot at. It should be appreciated that the surface 132 may include a plurality of spaced projections or feet that extend therefrom in lieu of an entirely flat surface. As such, the spaced projections serve to support the base 100′ above the support surface 134. It should be appreciated that the base section 130 may be formed of a buoyant material, such as foam, which allows the stand 10 to float on liquid, such as water.

In still further embodiments, an alternative base 100″ of the stand 10 may comprise a plurality of projections 136 that support the stand 10 upon any desired surface, as shown in FIG. 8 . In some embodiments, the projections 136 may be arranged at various angles and/or orientations to support the stand 10. For example, the projections 136 may be arranged as a tripod in some embodiments. It should be appreciated that the projections 136 may be formed of any suitable material, such as metal, plastic, wood and the like.

Primary Arm:

Extending from the base 100 is a primary arm 200. In one embodiment, the arm 200 may extend substantially vertically from the base 100. That is, the primary arm 200 may extend from the base 100 at a substantially right angle relative to the support surface the base 100 is positioned upon. In other embodiments, the primary arm 200 may extend from the base 100 at any desired angle relative to the support surface the base 100 is positioned upon. It should be appreciated that the primary arm 200 may be configured as multiple sections attached together. It should be appreciated that the primary arm 200 may be comprised of any suitable material, such as metal, plastic, wood and the like. Furthermore, the primary arm 200 may be configured to have any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as a rectilinear shape, a curvilinear shape or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the primary arm 200 and the projection 120 may be the same component. For example, the primary arm 200 and the projection 120 may be integral with each other. In still further embodiments, the primary arm 200 may be coaxial with the projection 120.

In other embodiments, the primary arm 200 may be pivotably attached to the base 100, such as through a hinge, to allow the primary arm 200 to be selectively moved to a desired angle relative to the support surface to which the target stand 10 is placed upon.

Extension Arm:

In some embodiments, an extension arm 250 extends from an end 252 of the primary arm 200 that is distal to the base 100. The extension arm 250 axially extends from the primary arm 200 at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the arm 200. In some embodiments, the extension arm 250 axially extends from the end 252 of the primary arm 200 at an angle of approximately 25 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the arm 200, as shown in FIG. 5 . In still other embodiments that extension arm 250 may be pivotably attached to the end 252 of the primary arm 200 using any suitable means, such as a pivot joint, hinge, or the like. It should be appreciated that the extension arm 250 may be comprised of any suitable material, such as metal, plastic, wood and the like. It should be appreciated that the extension arm 250 is formed of multiple sections attached together. Furthermore, the primary arm 200 may be configured to have any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as a rectilinear shape, a curvilinear shape or a combination thereof.

It should be appreciated that the primary arm 200 and the extension arm 250 may be a single arm.

Retaining Section:

Attached proximate to an end 260 of the extension arm 250 distal to the base 100, is a retaining section 300. The retaining section 300 may be attached to the extension arm 250 using any suitable means of fixation, including welding, adhesive, rivets and the like. The angle of the retaining section 300 is configured in some embodiments to match the angle of the extension arm 250. In other words, the retaining section 300 and the extension arm 250 are maintained in a parallel arrangement to each other. For example, the retaining section 300 and the extension arm 250 may be arranged at an angle of approximately 25 degrees for example. However, the retaining section 300 and the extension arm 250 may be arranged at any desired angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the primary arm 200. In still further embodiments, the extension arm 250 and the retaining section 300 may be arranged at any desired angle, include different angles from each other, relative to the longitudinal axis of the primary arm 200. In some embodiments, the retaining section 300 is formed integrally with the extension arm 250. In other embodiments, the retaining section 300 may be pivotably attached, such as through a hinge, to the extension arm 250 so that its angle can be adjusted relative to the extension arm 250 to change the angle of the retaining section 300. The retaining section 300 includes a body 310 that includes an opposed inner surface 300A and outer surface 300B. In some embodiments, the surfaces 300A-B are substantially flat; however, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the surfaces 300A-B may have any other suitable surface treatment, design or shape, such as a rectilinear shape, a curvilinear shape or a shape that is a combination thereof.

Disposed through the retaining section 300 is the aperture 40, which is configured to receive the neck 30 of the target or bottle 20 therethrough, as shown in FIGS. 3-6 . That is, the retaining section 300 includes the aperture 40, which is dimensioned to receive therethrough the neck 30 of the bottle 20. The aperture 40 may have any suitable shape, including a curvilinear shape, a rectilinear shape or a combination of both. In some embodiments, the aperture 40 may comprise a round or circular aperture. In some embodiments, the aperture 40 is dimensioned or sized to receive the neck 30 of the bottle 20 therethrough. In other embodiments, the aperture 40 is dimensioned or sized to receive the neck 30 and the protrusion 90 provided by the neck 30. It should be appreciated that the retaining section 300 may be comprised of any suitable material, such as metal, plastic, wood and the like.

It should be appreciated that in some embodiments the extension section 250 is not used, and that the retaining section 300 is directly attached to the primary arm 200. For example, the retaining section 300 may be positioned at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the primary arm 200. In some embodiments, the retaining section 300 may be positioned at an angle of about 25 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the primary arm 200; although any other suitable angle may be utilized.

Operation:

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4-6A, when the target stand 10 is placed into operation, the primary arm 200 is anchored to the ground/support surface, such as through the projections 120A-B, so that the primary arm 200 extends from the ground/support surface at a substantially right angle. Continuing, the neck 30 of the bottle 20 is positioned proximate to the inner surface 300A of the retaining section 300, whereupon the neck 30 of the bottle 20 is received through the retaining aperture 40 of the retaining section 300. That is, the neck 30 of the bottle 20 is received through the retaining section 300 so that a leading edge 400 of the neck 30 forming the opening of an uncapped bottle 20, or a leading edge 410 of a bottle covered by a cap 420 that is attached to the opening of the neck 30, protrudes through the aperture 40 and past the outer surface 300B of the retaining section 300.

Furthermore, when the neck 30 of the bottle 20 includes the neck protrusion 90, as shown in FIGS. 5-6 , the retaining aperture 40 of the retaining section 300 receives the neck 30 therethrough so that the weight of the bottle 20 urges the neck 30 upward against an upper edge 810 of the retaining aperture 40 so that the protrusion 90 contacts against an outer surface 300B of the retaining section 300, while the shoulder portion 80 of the bottle 20 is urged downward against the inner surface 300A of the retaining section 300. As a result, the neck 30 is trapped within the retaining aperture 40, to thereby allow the target stand 10 to support the bottle 20, such that the longitudinal axis of the bottle 20 is substantially parallel or horizontal with the ground/support surface to which the target stand 10 is supported.

Alternatively, in the case where the neck protrusion 90 is not provided by the neck 30 of the bottle 20, as shown in FIG. 6A, the retaining aperture 40 receives the neck 30 therethrough so that the weight of the bottle 20 urges the neck 30 upward against the upper edge 810 of the retaining aperture 40, while the shoulder portion 80 of the bottle 20 is urged downward against the inner surface 300A of the retaining section 300. As such, the neck 30 is trapped within the retaining aperture 40, to thereby allow the target stand 10 to support the bottle 20.

It should be appreciated that the bottle 20 may be supported in any desired orientation, position or angle relative to the support surface to which the target stand 10 is supported, depending on the angle of one or more of the retaining section 300, the extension arm 250, and the primary arm 200. That is, the longitudinal axis of the bottle 20 may be oriented so that it is parallel to or substantially horizontal to the support surface to which the target stand 10 is supported. In some embodiments, the bottle 20 may be arranged so as to be substantially parallel or substantially horizontal to the ground or support surface that the target stand 10 is supported by or on. However, the bottle 20 may be arranged at any desired angle relative to the support surface to which the target stand 10 is mounted. In other embodiments, it should be appreciated that the target stand 10 may be configured to be foldable or collapsible, whereby the base 100/100′/100″, primary arm 200, and extension arm 250 are pivotably joined, such as through a hinge, to enable the target stand 10 to be folded into a small form factor for convenient transport.

It should be appreciated that the target stand 10 may be configured to be assembled by a user. For example, the base 100/100′/100′, the primary arm 200, the extension arm 250, and the retaining section 300 may be configured to be assembled as a kit. In some embodiments, one end of the primary arm 200 may be configured to be removably attached to the base 100/100′/100″, such as through a friction-fit or slip-fit connection for example. Similarly, another end of the primary arm 200 may be configured to be removably attached to the extension arm 250, such as through a friction-fit or slip-fit connection for example. The retaining section 300 may be removably attached to another end of the extension arm 250, such as through a friction-fit or slip-fit connection for example.

In some embodiments, the primary arm 200 and/or the extension arm 250 may be configured to be telescopically extendable and retractable, so as to adjust the height of the target stand 10.

In still further embodiments, it should be appreciated that target stand 10 may be provided as an unassembled kit, whereby one or more of the components, including the base 100/100′/100″, primary arm 200, extension arm 250, and retaining section 300 are provided separately and are assembled by a user to form the completed target stand 10.

It should be appreciated that the target 20 may be configured to include thermal material, such as solid material (including particles) or liquid material, which may have a temperature that is different (e.g., hotter or cooler) than the environment surrounding the target 20, such as the bottle discussed herein. In some cases, the material can be retained within the target 20 by the cap 420. Furthermore, in the case of the use of multiple targets 20, each target 20 may utilize a different material that provides a different temperature contrast relative to the environment.

Therefore, it can be seen that the objects of the various embodiments disclosed herein have been satisfied by the structure and its method for use presented above. While in accordance with the Patent Statutes, only the best mode and preferred embodiments have been presented and described in detail, with it being understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited thereto or thereby. Accordingly, for an appreciation of the true scope and breadth of the embodiments, reference should be made to the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A target stand to support a target having a neck extending from a shoulder section, the target stand comprising: a base adapted to be placed on a support surface; an arm extending from said base; and a retaining aperture provided by said arm that is adapted to selectively receive the neck of the target therethrough to support the target above the support surface.
 2. The target stand of claim 1, wherein the shoulder section of the target progressively increases in diameter from the neck.
 3. The target stand of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the shoulder section progressively increases linearly.
 4. The target stand of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the shoulder section progressively increases exponentially.
 5. The target stand of claim 1, wherein said base comprises at least two projections configured to penetrate the support surface.
 6. The target stand of claim 5, wherein said projections are spaced apart by a connection arm.
 7. The target stand of claim 1, wherein said base is weighted.
 8. The target stand of claim 1, further comprising: a retaining section attached to said arm, said retaining section including said retaining aperture, wherein said retaining section has a first surface positioned proximate to said retaining aperture that is adapted to contact the shoulder section of the target.
 9. The target stand of claim 8, wherein said retaining section is positioned at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of said arm.
 10. The target stand of claim 8, wherein a protrusion circumscribes the neck of the target and wherein said protrusion contacts a second surface positioned proximate to said retaining aperture.
 11. The target stand of claim 8, wherein the position of said retaining section is adjustable.
 12. The target stand of claim 1, wherein said arm includes a first arm and a second arm, wherein one or more of said first and second arms are pivotable relative to said base.
 13. A target stand comprising: a base adapted to be placed on a support surface; an arm extending from said base; and a retaining aperture provided by said arm.
 14. The target stand of claim 13 wherein said base comprises at least two projections configured to penetrate the support surface.
 15. The target stand of claim 14, wherein said projections are spaced apart by a connection arm.
 16. The target stand of claim 12, wherein said base is weighted.
 17. The target stand of claim 12, further comprising: a retaining section attached to said arm, said retaining section including said retaining aperture, wherein said retaining section has a first surface positioned proximate to said retaining aperture.
 18. The target stand of claim 17, wherein said retaining section is positioned at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of said arm.
 19. The target stand of claim 17, wherein the position of said retaining section is adjustable.
 20. A target stand kit comprising: a base; an arm configured to be attached to said base; and a retaining section configured to be attached to said arm at an angle relative to said arm, said retaining section including an aperture therethrough. 